Environment and Breast Cancer

Reported by: Laurel Sauer

Recently the Radiation Oncology Institute hosted a Breast Cancer awareness symposium in Palm Beach Gardens. Local cancer experts spoke on a variety of topics from diagnosis of Breast Cancer to early detection.

We had a chance to speak with experts about possible environmental causes of Breast Cancer.

Dr. Jerome Spunberg, Radiation Specialist says, "Breast cancer touches every family. One in every 8 women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. We organized this symposium here in order to help educate the community about the resources available and the options that they have."

Sandra Blank, Executive Director Florida Breast Cancer Resource Network, discussed a recent study by the Silent Springs Institute, co-funded by the Komen Foundation, which identified 216 chemicals which caused breast cancer in animals. "Two very common chemical compounds that we really should start looking at right now are Dioxin. It’s caused by the incineration of paper. As paper gets incinerated it falls to the earth, cows graze on grass that is littered with this and it gets ingested into our body."

Blank add,s "Another chemical that we’re also concerned with is a group of chemicals called Phthalates. They’re found in just about every beauty care product, any body care products, shampoos, lipsticks."

"I can give you a third example, and a great example is Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone, which is a growth hormone that is actually given to cows," says Blank.

Liisa Spinello , seminar attendee, "I came today because I wanted to learn more about some of the new treatments that are available, some of the environmental factors to watch out for, the factors that are involved and lead to breast cancer.:

For more information contact the Susan G. Komen for The Cure Helpline at 1-800 I’m-AWARE or call the local Komen affiliate at 841-0041.